South Africa's Frans Malherbe cleared of biting USA opponent at Rugby World Cup

World Rugby has cleared South Africa prop Frans Malherbe of any wrongdoing after a picture appeared to suggest that he bit USA's Matt Trouville in yesterday's Rugby World Cup Pool B contest at the Olympic Stadium.

The below image, taken by the Daily Mail, seemingly showed Malherbe sinking his teeth into Trouville, but after reviewing video evidence, World Rugby is satisfied that the picture is misleading.

Not sure what is happening here is this a bite? more on @MailSport http://t.co/4v2bkWBmGY pic.twitter.com/594CTkdUGg

— Kevin Quigley (@KevinQuigley_DM) October 7, 2015

In a statement, World Rugby said: "Independent citing commissioner Peter Larter (England) is satisfied that no biting incident occurred during the Rugby World Cup 2015 Pool B match between South Africa and USA on 7 October.

"Larter's determination follows a detailed review of all video footage, an absence of a team referral and proactive dismissal by the USA team of claims made via social media that a South Africa player bit a USA player during the match.

"This matter highlights the need to exercise caution in respect of claims based on two-dimensional still images."

Malherbe will therefore be available for South Africa's quarter-final contest against either Australia or Wales, who face off to finish top of Pool A and avoid the Springboks in the last eight on Saturday at Twickenham.